“How” questions in an interview might seem daunting at first.  However, crafting responses to "how" questions is like telling a story; it's about engaging the interviewer by showcasing your experiences and skills.  Whether it’s “How do you handle stress?” or “How do you prioritize tasks?” these questions delve into your approach, revealing your problem-solving abilities and work style. Here are 7 tips to help you tackle them like a pro (and a few “how” interview questions to use in practice!).


1. Understand the Intent

Take a moment to decipher what the interviewer is truly asking. Is it about your methodology, decision-making process, or your ability to handle specific scenarios? Understanding the underlying purpose helps tailor your response effectively.

Use a structured approach like the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your response. Start by outlining the situation or task, describe the actions you took, and highlight the positive results or lessons learned.

Concrete examples make your response more compelling. Use anecdotes from past experiences that align with the question. It could be a successful project delivery, a conflict resolution instance, or a time when your approach led to a significant achievement.

“How” questions often aim to assess certain skills—leadership, problem-solving, adaptability, etc. Tailor your response to emphasize these skills by showcasing relevant experiences and achievements.

Authenticity matters. Don’t fabricate experiences or skills. If you lack direct experience, focus on transferable skills or a similar situation where you demonstrated a relevant skill.

Sometimes, you might face unexpected “how” questions. Stay adaptable and composed. Even if the scenario is unfamiliar, focus on your problem-solving approach and demonstrate your ability to handle ambiguity.

Practice common “how” questions beforehand. Reflect on your experiences and think about diverse scenarios to draw from. This helps in articulating your thoughts more confidently during the interview.  Check out these 5 interview questions that all begin with “how”.  Use them to practice the tips above!

-How do you define success?

-How do you keep yourself sharp and on top of your game?

-How do you set specific work goals? 

-How would you handle the situation if a client called and asked you a question that you did not have an immediate answer to?

-How do you handle situations where other team members are not doing their job? Give me an example.